On June 19, a Phoenix Police officer pulled over a driverless Waymo car after noticing it behaving erratically in traffic. The officer observed the autonomous vehicle driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, a dangerous mistake that prompted immediate action.

Public Curiosity

As the unusual scene unfolded, a passerby approached the officer, expressing curiosity. "I couldn't help but come over here just out of morbid curiosity. I thought maybe there was a passenger," the passerby remarked. The officer explained the situation, noting the car's erratic behavior due to the confusing construction signage in the area. The Waymo vehicle had responded to the unclear signage by entering the wrong lane, posing a significant hazard to other drivers.

Waymo's Response

Waymo, the company behind the autonomous vehicles, provided a statement addressing the incident. According to Waymo, the construction signage at 7th and Osborn Road was inconsistent, leading to the confusion. The company emphasized that their cars are designed to be better drivers than humans and are three-and-a-half times more likely to avoid crashes. In this case, the Waymo car had to navigate around the officer's vehicle, which blocked its path, causing it to impede oncoming traffic momentarily.

Public Concerns

Not everyone is convinced of the safety of self-driving cars. Phil Briggs, a Phoenix resident, recounted an incident where a Waymo car nearly sideswiped him. "It was making a right onto Washington, almost hit me. I had to swerve into the fast lane," he said. Briggs expressed skepticism about the benefits of autonomous vehicles, citing various incidents of erratic behavior. "My son saw an accident involving a Waymo car, and we've seen them stalled in the middle of intersections. I don't see any good from it at all," he added.

Police Procedure

Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower explained that officers are trained to deal with autonomous vehicles. In situations like the recent incident, officers can press the help button on the Waymo car to connect with a 24/7 service member. This service member can guide them through moving the vehicle off the road, providing insurance information, and any other necessary details for their investigation. "Waymo also makes it very easy for law enforcement to simply press the help button, and get connected immediately to a 24/7 service member that will be able to talk them through moving the vehicle off the road, finding the insurance information, and whatever information the officer needs for their investigation," Sgt. Bower said.

Accountability

Briggs pointed out a potential issue of accountability. "If you or I were driving like that and we get pulled over, we get a ticket. So somebody needs to be held accountable," he said. While Phoenix Police can cite Waymo for traffic violations, such incidents are rare. However, Waymo cars are equipped to detect emergency vehicles and are programmed to safely pull over. The company's protocols for handling such incidents are designed to ensure safety and compliance with traffic laws.

Autonomous Service Area

Phoenix is home to the largest autonomous service area in the U.S., with numerous Waymo cars operating throughout the city. Waymo has been testing and deploying its self-driving technology in Phoenix for several years, making it a hub for autonomous vehicle innovation. While most Waymo cars drive safely and efficiently, this incident highlights the challenges and complexities of integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday traffic. The company continuously updates its software and protocols to improve performance and safety.

Broader Implications

The incident raises broader questions about the readiness of autonomous vehicles for widespread use. While Waymo's technology has been praised for its potential to reduce human error and improve road safety, incidents like this one underscore the need for robust safety measures and clear communication with law enforcement. As autonomous vehicles become more common, protocols for interactions between self-driving cars and emergency services will be crucial to ensuring public safety.

Conclusion

The recent incident involving a self-driving Waymo car pulled over by Phoenix Police highlights both the promise and the challenges of autonomous vehicle technology. As Waymo continues to refine its systems and address public concerns, the integration of self-driving cars into urban environments will require ongoing collaboration between technology companies, regulators, and the community.

For more detailed information and updates, follow local news outlets and official statements from the Placer County Sheriff's Office and Waymo.